Scared of explosive decompression on airplanes?

Question

I am deeply afraid of explosive decompressions on airplanes. On Thursday I am flying from BDL-LAX-BNE. The Hartford-LAX flight is 6 hours (my longest flight ever), only to be followed by the 13 hour flight to Brisbane. I can't stop thinking about fuel tank explosions, mid air collisions, metal fatigue, and terrorist attacks.

My 737-800 and 747-400 will both be packed with fuel and are rather new airplanes so I have gotten over my fear of the fuel tank explosions and the metal fatigue. However, I am still deeply afraid of bombs and mid air collisions. I know the statistics, and I am certainly getting on the plane. (I will pop my ativan).

But I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions to help get over this fear. I have this recurring image of myself free falling 30,000 ft to my death and it is awful and paralyzing. Any help would be appreciated? I know the stats (this is an emotional not rational fear).

Answer 1

You watch way too much national geographic and air crash investigation. Exlosive decompression is rare, and on myth busters they proved even a gunshot hole is too small to cause explosive decompression, you would need at least a whole window to blow out.

i am scared of flying, and when i was 12/13 i managed to fly on a 747-400 all the way form london heathrow to JFK new york by myself on a school trip, sat with my friend at the back of the plane, and we took off in snow and got stuck on the run way. And i was not scared.

I flew only a week ago a 4 hour flight to and a 4 hour flight from Greece, and have to say  i told myself to enjoy the flight, i am scared of take off, but i forced myself to look out the window, and once we were up i was enjoying the flight :)

i know it's scarry, but i have flowen 15 hours on a 747-400 18 hours on a boeing (some long plane, but it wanst a 747 to florida) and about 30 hours on smaller flights within europe, and i have never experienced anything happen on a flight, no disiasters or anything at all. i know its hard but there is nothing to worry about, when im on a plane i take the attitude 'if anything is going to happen and i die, then it is my time to go and who i am to tempt fate'

your flights will be fine, just sit back and enjoy them, and don't freak out over the noises you hear like i used to, they are normal!!

I hope you have a good flight and wish you a safe journey and a great holiday.

i am 16 and have flowen thousands and thousands of miles, i am scared of flying but i just think of how much i am going to enjoy my holiday, or enjoy getting back home. set you mind on something and get over the nerves so you can enjoy your flight, cuse flying is great, and i love it in one respect, but also am scared of it :)               if that makes sense.

Answer 2

you are part of a large population of people who fear flying. In fact, fear of flying prompts the greatest number of questions in this section and the "aircraft" section of cars/transportation.

Google "fear of flying" to start. There are organizations, online support groups, etc. Some for-pay, some free.

Exposure will help, as it helps all phobias.

More people died from lightning strikes last year in the US than did on scheduled airlines.

Mid-air collisions? Google "TCAS" to see part of the way this is avoided.

The "can" that the checked baggage is put in have been designed to contain and minimize the effect of an explosion, should said device get past the other security measures.

You are not alone in your anxiety!